Abu Dhabi Airports Records 21.7 Million Passengers in First Nine Months of 2024, Marking a Significant 31.2% Increase

Abu Dhabi Airports announced impressive passenger traffic numbers for January through September 2024, marking a record-breaking 31.2% increase compared to the same period last year. The year-to-date (YTD) total of 21.7 million passengers highlights Abu Dhabi's growing status as a key international travel hub, attracting both business and leisure travelers.

Surge in Passenger Traffic in Q3

In the third quarter alone, Abu Dhabi Airports saw 7.7 million passengers, a 27% jump from Q3 2023. This boost, especially strong during the summer peak season, underscores the emirate’s appeal as a popular stopover and destination. Abu Dhabi’s strategic location and reputation for world-class facilities are helping it stand out among global aviation hubs.

Expanded Airline Network Boosts Passenger Growth

The remarkable growth in passenger traffic can be attributed to an expanded route network, made possible by partnerships with existing airlines and the addition of new carriers. The arrival of Turkmenistan Airlines, Hainan Airlines, US Bangla, British Airways, Akasa Air, Flynas, Air Samarkand, and the seasonal return of Aeroflot has enhanced Abu Dhabi’s connectivity worldwide. The growth of Zayed International Airport (AUH), recognized as the Middle East’s fastest-growing airport in terms of international seat capacity, has been central to this expansion. On August 2, AUH celebrated its busiest day on record, with 92,677 passengers.

Leading Destinations and Increased Traffic

London, Mumbai, Kochi, Cairo, and Doha emerged as the most popular destinations for Abu Dhabi’s passengers. Point-to-point traffic grew by 27.3% to reach 10.3 million passengers, while transfer traffic saw a notable increase of 36% to 10.9 million passengers. These numbers reflect Abu Dhabi’s strategic positioning as a global aviation hub and its effectiveness in connecting travelers to top destinations worldwide.

Aircraft Movements and Cargo Growth

Aircraft movements reached 185,485 YTD, marking a 10.2% rise from 2023’s 168,377 movements. Abu Dhabi’s cargo operations also saw a significant boost, with throughput reaching 572,000 metric tonnes—up 23% compared to last year. Demand for both belly-hold capacity and dedicated freighter services has fueled this growth. Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ) has entered into two Musataha agreements to expand its warehousing capabilities, including a 29,000-square-meter facility by MSM Logistics and a substantial AED320 million project with Radius Group to develop state-of-the-art warehousing in Al Falah District.

A Vision for Growth

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, expressed her enthusiasm for these record-breaking numbers, saying, “We are thrilled to report these strong YTD results, which clearly demonstrate the pace and robustness of our growth across Abu Dhabi Airports. The addition of new airlines and the strong performance of our existing partners reflect the confidence in Abu Dhabi as a leading aviation hub.”

With continued investments in infrastructure and services, Abu Dhabi Airports aims to solidify its place as a vital player in the global aviation sector, benefiting both connectivity and trade.

Reference from :-  https://www.zawya.com/en/business/aviation/217mln-passengers-recorded-in-jan-sep-2024-abu-dhabi-airports-lps5c2n2